The series of inspiring training sessions for NGOs, libraries and culture centers under the “Fostering Resilience in Children and Youth” program is over. They made an opportunity to broaden knowledge and learn practical tools in the area of mental resilience.
Meetings held by experts and coaches of the School with Class Foundation Marta Puciłowska-Schielmann and Justyna Józefowicz made an opportunity to broaden knowledge and learn practical tools in the area of mental resilience.
Why is mental resilience so important in these institutions?
Children and young people spend time after school at NGOs, libraries and culture centers where they look for support, develop their passions and build relationships. Employees of these institutions are often the first to notice problems faced by young people. Therefore, it is important for them to have effective tools to enhance young people’s resilience and be able to offer support in facing everyday challenges.
As one of the participants of the training noted:
‘The training reminded me that it is very important to pay attention when you accompany children in their development, enhance their resources, build relations based on trust and equip them with tools that will allow them to better understand themselves and the world around them. The course convinced me that the earlier we take care of children’s mental resilience the bigger the chance that they will do better in their further life.’
Practical knowledge and specific tools
Almost 60 participants of the training sessions have learned how to:
- identify the children’s and young people’s needs and resources,
- provide mental first aid,
- take care of digital hygiene,
- build empowerment and enhance young people’s mental resilience,
- plan social projects that support development of children and young people.
They have also learned specific practices such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques as well as methods of conducting supportive conversations.
‘Participation in the course was a very valuable experience for me. I gained a new look at what resilience is, both in physical and mental contexts. The course gave me specific tools and strategies that will help me better deal with challenges, stress and pressure in everyday life,’ reports one of the participants.
The strength of networking and cooperation
The participants of the course also pointed to the value of networking and mutual support in activities aimed at enhancing children and young people’s mental resilience. Meetings became not only the space to broaden one’s knowledge but also an opportunity to build relationships and make valuable contacts.
‘My biggest discovery was to realize how important it is to build a supporting network and develop a flexible attitude to change. The course has inspired me to implement new practices in everyday life and made me feel better prepared for challenges I may face.’
What is next? Further steps
The Education for Democracy Foundation will continue cooperation with participants of the training sessions by offering them further development through closed grant competitions that will offer grants for financing projects allowing the use of newly acquired competences in everyday life. Additionally, the Foundation will support networking to strengthen cooperation and experience sharing by the participants of the organization path of the Resilience Course program.
“Fostering Resilience in Children and Youth” is a program of Polish-American Freedom Foundation managed jointly by the Education for Democracy Foundation and the School with Class Foundation.
